Agulla not overawed by NZ challenge

Argentina left wing Horacio Agulla admits that although facing New Zealand is a daunting task, it's a challenge which he relishes.

Argentina left wing Horacio Agulla admits that although facing New Zealand is a daunting task, it's a challenge which he relishes.

Agulla was part of the los Pumas side which pushed the All Blacks all the way in last year's corresponding fixture in Wellington in rainy conditions.

The world champions held a 6-5 lead at half-time and struggled to gain the ascendancy for large parts of the second half before eventually winning 21-5.

Agulla said what he remembers most from last year's encounter was the strength of the Pumas' defence.

He feels if they want to improve on that result they must play at 100 percent and make as few mistakes as possible.

"Every mistake you make against the All Blacks they transform it into points so we will have to be perfect," he told Sportal.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Bath in the Aviva Premiership, said the players were not mentally prepared for their tournament opener and subsequently suffered a humiliating 73-13 loss to South Africa in Soweto.

They knew they were capable of much better, however.

"Now we are trying to build a team to get better and we have a massive opportunity on Saturday so we are going to try to take it," he said.

There was huge improvement in their second match against South Africa in Mendoza and the Springboks battled to a 22-17 win, a result which they hope to build on when they face the All Blacks again this weekend.